HMC Architects won two awards at the 2025 AIA Silicon Valley Design Awards. Diablo Valley College Art Complex won a Citation Award, and Chabot College Library and Learning Connection won the People’s Choice Award. The annual design awards program recognizes the outstanding achievements in architecture and design by Silicon Valley individuals and organizations and informs the public of the breadth and value of architectural practice. This year’s awards program was held on May 8.

Diablo Valley College’s new 34,000 square foot, $35 million art complex aims to unify the art program facilities and create a sense of community for students in a Zero Net Energy (ZNE) facility, where art and the process of making art can be showcased to inspire interest and encourage student participation. The wo-story building located on the east end of the existing performing arts center serves as the new home for the college’s art programs. The building provides studio, classroom, office, and support spaces tailored to the specific needs of the school’s fine and digital arts programs.

The design of the Chabot College Library and Learning Connection building thoughtfully intertwines academic resources, study, and social spaces to soothe the stigma around seeking help and provide students with a safe space to study and enhance their lives. The four-story atrium provides an unobstructed visual connection through the building to the upper floors, and spaces clustered around the atrium are branded for easy wayfinding. A café, library, learning resources, and a variety of open and closed study spaces promote an active student lifestyle and encourage social participation. Open floor plans, large windows, and glazed skylights flood the atrium with daylight and put learning on display. HMC designed this project in collaboration with Group 4 Architecture who is also the architect of record.

Thank you to the AIA Silicon Valley chapter for the recognition and our clients and partners and our wonderful clients and partners who allow us to continue designing solutions that enrich people’s lives.